Window unit air conditioner installer and support rod

ABSTRACT

An adjustable assembly for installing and supporting a window unit air conditioner (WUAC) allowing a one-step easy installation and removal. The apparatus has two U-shaped horizontal member and one U-shaped vertical member that utilize the window frame and the weight of the WUAC, to install and keep the WUAC in place. The assembly fits behind and unto the spine of the WUAC as well as across the width of the WUAC. When lifted in place, the assembly fits against the window frame using gravity to securely keep the WUAC in place. The assembly may be used alone or in combination with the horizontal support member and/or the vertical member depending on the weight of the WUAC. The second U-shaped member is placed around both sides and the rear of the installed WUAC with the flange supported against the inner window frame. Using tension force, this provides support for the extruding WUAC. The vertical U-shaped member extends from the sides of the horizontal member and traverses the bottom of the WUAC to give support.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/486,291, filed Apr. 17, 2017, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The invention relates to the installation of a Window Unit AirConditioner (WUAC) and the physical support of such a unit, with andwithout the use of tools, while allowing for a safe, sturdy and securefit.

Background of the Related Art

A standard Window Unit Air Conditioner (WUAC) or AC unit 10 is shown inFIG. 5. It generally has a housing or body 20 that is shaped as anelongated cube with a front side 21, rear side 22, top side 24, bottomside 26, right side 27, and left side 28. The WUAC are discrete devicesthat have their own housing, and generally have a cuboid or rectangularprism shape with a rectangular cross section, and all of the sides aregenerally rectangular in shape.

The air conditioner unit 10 is specifically designed to fit in a windowopening 2 of a home or building, and especially for windows that slideup and down to open and close. One such double hung window is shown inFIG. 1. Accordingly, a rail or spine 30 (FIG. 5) is provided thatextends along the entire width of the unit along the top side 24. Thespine 30 is usually a metal piece that extends orthogonally upward fromthe top side 24 and engages the front bottom inside edge of the lowerwindow sash when the window is closed down against the top side 24 ofthe WUAC 10. The spine 30 prevents the WUAC 10 from falling out of thewindow because the spine rests against the bottom of the window. Asimilar support ember or projection is sometimes also provided on thebottom side 26 of the WUAC 10 and engages a lip on the bottom windowframe on which the WUAC 10 rests. The spine 30 defines a front portion32 and a rear portion 34 of the WUAC 10. When positioned in a window,the front portion 32 of the WUAC 10 is at the interior of the home orbuilding, and the rear portion 34 of the WUAC 10 is at the exterior ofthe home or building.

However, window unit air conditioners are heavy and can be cumbersomeand difficult to grip, often requiring more than one individual tocomplete the installation process, and requiring dexterity and someamount of technical skills. Installation can also be dangerous should aunit fall from a window during the process. The unit has to be lifted,safely placed within the window, properly and securely placed on thewindow stool or properly aligned in the bottom rail slot of the windowthen secured in place with the window sash. Larger units may have to becompletely removed from their housing, the housing installed and theunit then reinserted into the housing. Many WUAC have weights in excessof 50 pounds and their size often exceeds the dimensions of the windowsill. This size/length, extends beyond the sill, often causing adownward external tilt of the WUAC, and the sill may not be enough tosupport the AC unit.

Conventional installation requires the downward force of a window sashto hold the WUAC in place but not necessarily upright. The size, make ormaterial of the window sill, may, not support the gravitational weightof the WUAC. Thus, additional support is needed to evenly distribute theweight of the unit to prevent the WUAC from falling off the window sill,prevent damage to the window sash, and prevent the WUAC from shiftingout of place on the sloped window sill.

WUACs are installed per manufacturers' instructions and require tools,drilling and an external force in the form of a window casing. Thesupport of the exterior protruding portion of the unit is provided byexternal mounts, physically secured to an exterior wall beneath theprotruding unit. This requires skill, dexterity, technical mastery andoften a ladder.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One purpose of this invention is to provide a simple one-step method,utilizing tension force, to easily and securely install a WUAC withoutthe mandatory use of tools. A second purpose is to provide support for aWUAC from inside a building, in a one-step process that utilizes tensionforce and does not require the mandatory use of tools. The inventionfurther allows easy grip of a WUAC, and allows ease of removal of theunit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a front view of a standard double hung window in the openposition;

FIGS. 2-3 are front views of the installation rod of the presentinvention situated in a window opening, with the window in the openposition;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the installation rod positioned in the windowopening from the outside looking in;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of a conventional PRIOR ART windowunit air conditioner (WUAC) with spine;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the WUAC installed in a windowopening utilizing the installation rod of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the WUAC of FIG. 6 from the outsidelooking in;

FIG. 8 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the inventionwith the WUAC shown transparent for illustrative purposes;

FIG. 9 is a rear view of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a detailed view of the installation rod;

FIG. 11A is a front view of installation rod with slots for fastening tothe spine of a WUAC;

FIG. 11B is a front view of the installation/rod secured to the spine ofa WUAC with slots;

FIG. 12A is a front view of the installation rod with a security trackfor fastening to the spine of a WUAC;

FIG. 12B is a front view of the installation rod secured to the spine ofa WUAC with security tracks;

FIG. 13 is a front view of the installation rod secured to the spine ofan installed WUAC;

FIG. 14 is a front view of the support rod in place on the WUAC;

FIG. 15 shows a support rod with an optional lower support bracket;

FIGS. 16(a), (b) show a locking system securing the support rod towindow frame; and

FIGS. 17(a)-(k) fastening device securing the spine to the installationrod.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In describing the illustrative, non-limiting preferred embodiments ofthe invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will beresorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is notintended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is tobe understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalentsthat operate in similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. Severalpreferred embodiments of the invention are described for illustrativepurposes, it being understood that the invention may be embodied inother forms not specifically shown in the drawings.

Turning to the drawings, FIGS. 2-4, 8-10, 14-16 show the installation orsupport apparatus 100 in accordance with a non-limiting exampleembodiment of the invention. The installation apparatus 100 comprises agenerally U-shaped member that is adjustable on all three sides toaccommodate varying window widths and jambs. More specifically, theinstallation apparatus 100 includes a U-shaped portion having a rearsupport member 102 and two side support members 104, 106 (e.g., firstand second side bracket members 104, 106) that extend substantiallyorthogonal to the rear support member 102 (e.g., rear support bracketmember 102). In addition, a flange or connect member 108, 110 (e.g.,first and second window frame bracket members 108, 110) is coupled witheach side member 104, 106. The connect members 108, 110, side supports104, 106, and rear member 102 can all be flat elongated bracket membersthat are generally rectangular in shape.

Thus, the rear support member 102 has a first end that connects with thefirst side member 104, and a second end opposite the first end, thatconnects with the second side member 106. The first and second sidemembers 104, 106 each have a respective first and second flanges 108,110 that extends substantially orthogonal to the side member 104 andoutward away from the rear support member 102. Thus, the flanges 108,110 are substantially parallel with the rear support member 102. Themembers 102, 104, 106, 108, 110 can be formed as a single integralpiece. Or the rear member 102 and side members 104, 106 can be more thanone piece that are slidably coupled to each other to be adjustable inthe width and depth direction with respect to the WUAC, jamb and windowframe. The members 102-110 are thin, weight bearing, elongated metalstrips.

Thus, the support apparatus 100 is configured to extend from the frontof the left and right window frame at the inside of the building, backthrough the window opening 2 to the exterior of the building. Moreparticularly, the first connect member 108 is positioned at the front ofthe right window frame and the second connect member 110 is positionedat the front of the left window frame. Through-holes or openings areprovided in the first and second connect members that each receive afastener (such as a screw) so that the apparatus 100 can be removablyfastened to the window frame.

The first connect member 108 is coupled with the first side supportmember 104 and the second connect member 110 is coupled with the secondside support member 106. The first and second side support members 104,106 extend back through the window jamb to the exterior of the building.The first and second side support members 104, 106 are coupled withopposite ends of the rear support member 102, which extend at theoutside of the building.

The apparatus 100 can be configured as a single piece unitary member. Inaddition, referring to FIGS. 4, 7-10, 14, the apparatus 100 can beconfigured to be adjustable in width and/or depth. To provide anadjustable width, the rear support member 102 can be formed of twoseparate discrete pieces to provide a first rear support portion 102 aand a second rear support portion 102 b. In addition, FIG. 10, one ormore fastening devices 103 can be provided on the first rear supportportion 102 a and/or the second rear support portion 102 b. In theexample shown, one or more sleeves 103 can be provided on the first rearsupport 102 a in the form of an elongated tab piece that extendtransversely across the width of the first rear support 102 a. Thesecond rear support portion 102 b can have a width that is smaller thanthe width of the first rear support portion 102 a. Or the second supportportion 102 b can have a distal end portion that is tapered or otherwisenarrowed. Thus, the narrower second support portion 102 b can beslidably received in the sleeve 103 of the first support portion 102 a.Thus, the width is adjusted by moving the portions 102 a, 102 b in/outwith respect to each other, in the direction X. The first and secondsupport portions 102 a, 102 b can further be locked in that position,such as by a clamp, fastener or the like.

Of course, any suitable fastening device 103 can be provided that permitthe first support portion 102 a to be slidably or adjustably engagedwith the second support portion 102 b. For example, through-holes can beprovided in the distal ends of each of the first and second supportmembers 102 a, 102 b, that receive a nut and bolt at various adjustablepositions. Still further, the distal end portion of the first supportportion 102 a can be provided with an elongated slot and the distal endportion of the second support portion 102 b can be provided with a hole,and the hole and slot can align to receive a bolt and wing nut atadjustable positions. In one embodiment, the width of the apparatus 100is adjusted so that the side members 104, 106 extend close to the innersash of the window frame.

The depth of the apparatus 100 can also be made adjustable in a similarmanner. For example, the side support members 104, 106 can be formed astwo separate discrete pieces or members that are slidably coupled withone another by a fastening device 105, 107. Mechanical fasteners can besliding tracks, rivets, embedded screws, hooks or slip-in locks and canallow the apparatus 100 to be adjustable.

Where the apparatus 100 is configured to be adjustable in width only,the apparatus 100 would have two separate pieces or members thatslidably and adjustably connect by the fastening device 103. A firstmember would include the first connect member 108, first side supportmember 104, and first rear support portion 102 a. The second memberwould include the second connect member 110, second side support member106, and the second rear support member 102 b.

Where the apparatus 100 is configured to be adjustable in depth only,the apparatus 100 would have three separate pieces or members thatslidably and adjustably connect by the fastening devices 105, 107. Thefirst member would include the first connect member 108 and a firstportion of the first side support member 104, The second member wouldinclude the second connect member 110, and a first portion of the secondside support member 106. And the third member would include a secondportion of the first side support member 104, the rear support member102, and a second portion of the second side support member 106.

And where the apparatus 100 is configured to be adjustable in width anddepth, the apparatus would have four members. The first member wouldinclude the first connect member 108 and first portion of the first sidesupport 104, the second member would include the second connect member110 and the first portion of the second side support 106. The thirdmember would include the second portion of the first side member 104,and the first portion of the rear member 102 a. The fourth member wouldinclude the second portion of the second side member 106 and the secondportion of the rear member 102 b.

The apparatus 100 can be configured to engage the AC unit 10 at the rearside 22 of the AC unit 10, as shown in FIGS. 8, 9, 14, or at the spine30 of the AC unit 10, as shown in FIGS. 6, 7, 11, 12, 17. Of course, theapparatus 100 can engage the AC unit 10 at any suitable position andlocation.

Turning initially to FIGS. 8, 9, 14, the apparatus 100 is shown toremovably engage the rear side 22 of the AC unit 10. The rear supportmember 102 extends (adjustably or fixedly) behind the AC. For instance,the apparatus 100 can be pre-installed in the window, such as theconnect members 108, 110 are fastened to the window frame. The AC unit10 can then be slid into the window opening 2, where the rear side 22engages the rear support member 102 by coming into contact with the rearsupport member 102 when the AC unit 10 is fully received in the window.In one embodiment, the apparatus 100 is positioned about one-third tohalf-way along the height of the AC unit 10, though the apparatus can belocated at any suitable position along the AC unit 10. Accordingly, therear support member 102 prevents the AC unit 10 from extending too farinto the opening 2 and/or falling out of the window opening 2. Theapparatus 100 need not be fastened to the AC unit 10, so that no toolsare required to install and/or remove the AC unit 10 from the windowopening 2.

Referring now to FIGS. 6, 7, 11, 12, 17, the apparatus 100 is shown toremovably engage the spine 30 of the AC unit 10. Here, the depth of theapparatus 100 is substantially less than having the apparatus 100 extendto behind the AC unit 10, and the apparatus 100 is located much higherin the window opening 2 to align with the spine 30 at the top side 24 ofthe AC unit 10. As with the embodiment of FIGS. 8, 9, 14, the apparatus100 can be pre-installed in the window, such as the connect members 108,110 are fastened to the window frame. The AC unit 10 can then be slidinto the window opening 2, where the spine 30 engages the rear supportmember 102 by coming into contact with the rear support member 102 whenthe AC unit 10 is fully received in the window. Accordingly, the rearsupport member 102 prevents the AC unit 10 from extending too far intothe opening 2 and/or falling out of the window opening 2. The apparatus100 need not be fastened to the AC unit 10, so that no tools arerequired to install and/or remove the AC unit 10 from the window opening2. The window can close down behind the spine 30 and rear member 102, ifdesired by the user.

In addition, the AC unit 10 is safely and reliably retained in thewindow opening 2 independent of the position of the window. Accordingly,the user need not close the window in order to lock the AC unit 10 inplace since the lower window sash is not needed to lock the AC unit inposition. Thus, the user need not simultaneously hold the AC unit at thesame time the user closes the window, as is otherwise required withoutuse of the apparatus 100. The user can independently open and close thewindow without concern of the AC unit 10 falling out of the windowopening 2. For instance, the user can open the window on a cool day whenthe AC unit 10 is not in use, without the AC unit 10 falling out of thewindow. That applies to both the rear-engaging and spine-engagingembodiments of the apparatus 100.

Turning to FIGS. 11(a), 11(b), yet another embodiment of the inventionis shown for use with the support apparatus 100 to be configured so thata portion of the rear member 102 is positioned behind the spine 30 ofthe AC unit 10. Here, the rear member 102 can be fitted with one or morefastener devices 202 that extend forward from the front face of the rearmember 102. The fastener devices 202 can be spring-biased to the rearsupport 102 to clip or clamp onto the spine 30 of the AC unit 10 andhold the device 100 in place on the AC unit 10 while the AC unit 10 isplaced in and removed from the window opening. As shown, the fasteners202 can be curved, though the fasteners 202 need not be curved. Inaddition, any suitable fasteners 202 can be utilized, such as nuts andbolts received in openings.

In operation, prior to installation of the AC unit 10, the fasteners 202are coupled to the spine 30. The fasteners 202 can be an integral partof member 102, removable, such as clips, or can be more permanent suchas screws or locking clips that lock to the spine 30. The fasteners 202hold the device 100 to the AC unit 30. The user can then lift the ACunit 30 with the apparatus 10 attached, and place it in the windowopening 2. The flanges 108, 110 (FIG. 6) grip the side wall or thewindow frame to prevent the AC unit 10 from falling out of the windowduring installation. Thus, no tools are required to install or removethe AC unit 10, though screws can be used to more permanently secure theflanges 108, 110 to the wall or window. The flanges 108, 110 can have anelongated slot that receives a fastener (such as a screw) to betterfacilitate fastening the flange to the wall. To remove the AC unit 10,the reverse process is used.

The apparatus 100 is engaged with a locking system onto the spine 30 ofthe AC unit by the fastener 202, to prevent it from being displaced bybeing pushed or pulled forward out of the window. The AC unit 10 isplaced flatly on the window still or stool or the rear support member102 is aligned in the groove of the window casing. Once safely placed onthe window stool, the flanges 108, 110 come into contact against thewindow frame. This will allow the AC unit 10 to securely and safelyremain in place. The window sash is not required to hold the window inplace. Tension force through gravity will maintain the AC unit 10 inplace but the window sash may be engaged for additional support. Eachflange 108, 110 can be at least two inches in length or longer.

As noted above, the window sash is not required to maintain the WUAC 10in place, however, as a crime deterrent and safety precaution forchildren and pets, the WUAC 10 may be fastened to the window sash andthe flange may also be fastened to the window frame or casing via thepre-drilled holes, in addition to other recommended conventionalsecurity measures.

Referring to FIG. 17, in another embodiment of the invention the rearmember 102 can be coupled with the spine 30. FIGS. 17(a), 17(f), 17(i),17(j), 17(k) show an adapter 150 that is formed as a one-piece Z-shapeto be utilized as a locking system to fasten the assembly 100 to thespine 30 of the AC unit 10. The Z-shape is formed by a U-shaped portionand a V-shaped portion. The U-shaped portion has a center slot so thatthe U-shaped portion slides over the top of the spine 30 so that thespine 30 is received in the slot. The U-shaped portion has two sidewalls and a center connecting member. The V-shaped portion is formedfrom one of the side walls and an angled upright wall to form a matingchannel. FIGS. 17(b)-17(e), 17(g), 17(h), 17(i) show the rear support102 having the top portion folded downward and the bottom portion foldedupward to form a sleeve with a receiving channel. As illustrated inFIGS. 17(g), 17(h), 17(i), the angled upright wall of the adapter 150interlocks with the folded down top portion of the rear support 102, sothat the angled upright wall enters the mating channel of the foldeddown top portion and the folded down top portion of the rear support 102enters the mating channel of the V-shaped portion. This serves tosecurely fasten the assembly 100 to the spine 30 of the AC unit 10. TheAC unit 10 can then be lifted in place onto the window stool. It isnoted that instead of an adapter 150, the spine 30 can be configured tointegrally have an angled upright wall.

FIGS. 2-14 show embodiments in which the support apparatus 100(including the window frame bracket member and the side bracket members)does not extend beneath a bottom of the air conditioner and do notinclude any vertical brackets. Turning to FIG. 15, a support apparatusis shown the extends beneath the bottom of the air conditioner and hasvertical brackets. Here, a support rod is shown which fits snuggly andhorizontally around the AC. The flanges fit against the interior windowframe. The support bracket is shown fastened to the support rod to givesupport from the bottom 26 of the AC unit 10. The support bracket can beadjustable in height and width, in the same manner as the rear support102. The support bracket, forms a close fitting vertical U-shape thatattaches to the support rod assembly. The support rod assemble can beadjustable in width in the as the installation rod 102. The supportwould also be in part due to tension force and gravity. The supportassembly has a first and second downward bracket, and a cross-supportmember connected there between. The cross-member extends below thebottom 26 of the AC unit 10.

In one embodiment, the material of the assembly 100 and support bracketcan be composed of rigid weight bearing, weather resistant material withproven appropriate tensile strength, such as a metal. This would furtherallow all three pieces to be graded by weight range capacity.

Turning to FIG. 12, one or more clips 155 are shown for further use withthe invention. The clips 155 are elongated and have a longitudinal axisthat extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rear support 102.As shown in FIGS. 12(b), 13, the clips are coupled to the rear support102 and are biased toward the rear support 102 to form a channeltherebetween. The assembly 100 can be attached to the spine 30 of the ACunit 10 by sliding the clips 155 to the front side of the spine 30 atthe far ends of the spine 30, while the rear support remains at the rearside of the spine 30, such that the spine 30 is received in the channelbetween the rear support 102 and the clip 155. The clips can telescopeoutward, so that the user can slide them outward to overlap with andengage the spine 30 after the rear support 102 is positioned adjacent tothe spine 30.

Turning to FIG. 16, another feature of the invention is shown. Here, theconnect members 108, 110 can have an elongated slot that receives one ormore fasteners such as screws. That facilitates connection of theconnecting members 108, 110 to the window frame in an adjustable mannerand allows, for example, the side members 104, 106 to be positionedagainst the inner surface of the window jamb.

The description given of the embodiments, the use, operation,implementation, material, design and construction of the indicatedinvention is not limited to what has been stated. What has been statedis simply illustrative.

An adjustable assembly 100 for installing and supporting a window unitair conditioner and allows a one-step easy installation and removal. Theapparatus has two U-shaped horizontal rods and a vertical rod thatutilize the window frame and the weight of the WUAC, to install,support, and keep the WUAC in place. The assembly 100 may be used aloneor in combination with the support bracket depending on the weight ofthe WUAC. The assembly 100 fits behind and unto the spine of the WUACand across its width. When lifted in place, the assembly 100 fitsagainst the window frame using gravity to securely keep the WUAC inplace.

The invention provides an easy one-step process for installing andremoving a window unit air conditioner (WUAC) without requiring anytools or drilling. It also allows easy grip of WUAC for installation onuninstallation. Drilling or tools are optional, allowing for lesstechnical skill requirement. The apparatus 100 is adjustable to fitmultiple width windows and jambs. It allows the window sash to be openedwith the WUAC remaining securely in place. It uses tension force/gravityto support WUAC in place, and relieves pressure on exterior walls tosupport WUAC, and avoids damage to interior and exterior walls orframes. The invention also eliminates the cumbersome nature ofinstalling and providing support for a WUAC. Conventional brackets notrequired to support WUAC.

One purpose of the invention is to provide a device and an easy,one-step process of installing and supporting a window unit airconditioner (WUAC). The invention results in a non-cumbersome manner ofeffectively installing a safe and securely fitting unit that does notrequire tools. It also provides a support system that is installed frominside the building without the use of tools or a ladder as requiredwith conventional installation. The invention allows the unit to be keptsecurely in place without the use of the window sash and also allowseasy removal of the unit.

The description given of the embodiments, use, operation,implementation, material, design and construction of the indicatedinvention is not limited to what has been stated. What has been statedis simply illustrative. For example, though the assembly 100 is shownand described as having two connect members 108, 110, two side members104, 106, and a rear support 102, plus a support rod and a supportbracket: only a support rod may be necessary.

It is further noted that the description uses several geometric orrelational terms and directional or positioning terms, such as linear,longitudinal, transverse, parallel, orthogonal, top, bottom, and sides.Those terms are merely for convenience to facilitate the descriptionbased on the embodiments shown in the figures. Those terms are notintended t it file invention. Thus, it should be recognized that theinvention can be described in other ways without those geometric,relational, directional or positioning terms. In addition, the geometricor relational terms may not be exact. For instance, walls may not beexactly perpendicular or parallel to one another but still be consideredto be substantially perpendicular or parallel because of, for example,roughness of surfaces, tolerances allowed in manufacturing, etc. And,other suitable geometries and relationships can be provided withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Within this specification, the various sizes, shapes and dimensions areapproximate and exemplary to illustrate the scope of the invention andare not limiting. The sizes and the terms “substantially” and “about”mean plus or minus 15-20%, more preferably plus or minus 10%, even morepreferably plus or minus 5%, most preferably plus or minus 1-2%. Inaddition, while specific dimensions, sizes and shapes may be provided incertain embodiments of the invention, those are simply to illustrate thescope of the invention and are not limiting. Thus, other dimensions,sizes and/or shapes can be utilized without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention.

The foregoing description and drawings should be considered asillustrative only of the principles of the invention. The invention maybe configured in a variety of shapes and sizes and is not intended to belimited by the preferred embodiment. Numerous applications of theinvention will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, itis not desired to limit the invention to the specific examples disclosedor the exact construction and operation shown and described. Rather, allsuitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, fallingwithin the scope of the invention.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A support apparatus for installing andretaining a discrete window air conditioner in a window opening of awall, the support apparatus comprising: a window frame bracket memberhaving a forward-facing surface and a rearward-facing surface, saidwindow frame bracket member configured so the rearward-facing surfacecontacts and engages a forward-facing surface of the wall; a sidebracket member coupled substantially orthogonal to said window framebracket member and configured to extend along an inner window jamb ofthe window opening and a side of the window air conditioner, said sidebracket member defining a depth of said support apparatus and having adiscrete first side bracket portion and a discrete second side bracketportion, wherein the second side bracket portion is adjustably engagedwith the first side bracket portion to adjust the depth of said supportapparatus; and a rear support bracket member coupled substantiallyorthogonal to said side bracket member and having a forward-facingsurface and a rearward-facing surface, said rear support bracket memberconfigured so that the forward-facing surface extends at least partlyacross a rear of the window air conditioner or a spine of the window airconditioner; wherein said support apparatus does not extend beneath abottom of the air conditioner.
 2. The support apparatus of claim 1,wherein said window frame bracket member, said side bracket member, andsaid rear support bracket member are each elongated strips and form asingle discrete unattached contiguous piece.
 3. The support apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein said window frame bracket member, said side bracketmember, and said rear support bracket member each have co-planar topedges and co-planar bottom edges.
 4. The support apparatus of claim 1,wherein said window frame bracket member, said side bracket member, andsaid rear support bracket member are each rigid metal or weight bearingmaterial.
 5. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein said supportapparatus has a width, and wherein said rear support bracket membercomprises a discrete first rear support bracket portion and a discretesecond rear support bracket portion, wherein the second rear supportbracket portion is adjustably engaged with the first rear supportbracket portion to adjust the width of said support apparatus.
 6. Thesupport apparatus of claim 1, further comprising the window airconditioner, said rear support bracket member coupled to said window airconditioner.
 7. The support apparatus of claim 1, said support apparatusconsists of said window frame bracket member, said side bracket member,and said rear support bracket member, which forma single discreteunattached contiguous piece.
 8. The support apparatus of claim 1,wherein said support apparatus does not include any vertical brackets.9. A support apparatus for retaining a window air conditioner in awindow opening of a wall, the support apparatus comprising: a firstwindow frame bracket member configured to engage a first surface of thewall; a first side bracket member coupled substantially orthogonal tosaid first window frame bracket member and configured to extend along afirst inner window jamb of the window opening and a first side of thewindow air conditioner, and wherein said first side bracket membercomprises a discrete first side bracket portion and a discrete secondside bracket portion, wherein the second side bracket portion isadjustably engaged with the first side bracket portion to adjust alength of said first side bracket member and a depth of said supportapparatus; a second window frame bracket member configured to contactand engage a second surface of the wall; a second side bracket membercoupled substantially orthogonal to said second window frame bracketmember and configured to extend along a second inner window jamb of thewindow opening and a second side of the window air conditioner, andwherein said second side bracket member comprises a discrete third sidebracket portion and a discrete fourth side bracket portion, wherein thethird side bracket portion is adjustably engaged with the fourth sidebracket portion to adjust a length of said second side bracket memberand the depth of said support apparatus; and a rear support bracketmember coupled substantially orthogonal to said first and second sidebracket members and configured to extend across an entire rear of thewindow air conditioner or an entire spine of the window air conditioner,whereby the first and second side bracket members and said rear supportbracket member form a general U-shape; wherein said support apparatusdoes not extend beneath a bottom of the air conditioner.
 10. The supportapparatus of claim 6, said support apparatus consists of said firstwindow frame bracket member, said first side bracket member, said secondwindow frame bracket member, said second side bracket member, and saidrear support bracket member, which form a single discrete unattachedcontiguous piece.
 11. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein saidsupport apparatus does not include any vertical brackets.
 12. A supportapparatus for installing and retaining a discrete window air conditionerin a window opening of a wall, the support apparatus comprising: awindow frame bracket member having a forward-facing surface and arearward-facing surface, said window frame bracket member sized andaligned so that the rearward-facing surface contacts and engages aforward-facing surface window frame of the wall; a side bracket membercoupled substantially orthogonal to said window frame bracket member andsized and aligned to extend along an inner window jamb of the windowopening and a side of the window air conditioner, said side bracketmember defining a depth of said support apparatus and having a discretefirst side bracket portion and a discrete second side bracket portion,wherein the second side bracket portion is adjustably engaged with thefirst side bracket portion to adjust the depth of said supportapparatus; and a rear support bracket member coupled substantiallyorthogonal to said side bracket member and having a forward-facingsurface and a rearward-facing surface, said rear bracket member sizedand aligned so that the forward-facing surface extends at least partlyacross a rear of the window air conditioner or a spine of the window airconditioner; wherein said support apparatus does not extend beneath abottom of the air conditioner.
 13. The support apparatus of claim 12,wherein said support apparatus has a width, and wherein said rearsupport bracket member has a discrete first rear support bracket portionand a discrete second rear support bracket portion, wherein the secondrear support bracket portion is adjustably engaged with the first rearsupport bracket portion to adjust the width of said support apparatus.14. The support apparatus of claim 12, said support apparatus consistsof said window frame bracket member, said side bracket member, and saidrear support bracket member, which form a single discrete unattachedcontiguous piece.
 15. The support apparatus of claim 12, wherein saidsupport apparatus does not include any vertical brackets.
 16. A methodfor installing and retaining a discrete window air conditioner in awindow opening of a wall, the method comprising: providing a windowframe bracket member having a forward-facing surface and arearward-facing surface, said window frame bracket member configured sothat the rearward-facing surface contacts and engages a forward-facingsurface window frame of the wall; providing a side bracket membercoupled substantially orthogonal to said window frame bracket member andconfigured to extend along an inner window jamb of the window openingand a side of the window air conditioner, the side bracket memberdefining a depth of the support apparatus and having a discrete firstside bracket portion and a discrete second side bracket portion, whereinthe second side bracket portion is adjustably engaged with the firstside bracket portion to adjust the depth of the support apparatus; andproviding a rear support bracket member coupled substantially orthogonalto said side bracket member and having a forward-facing surface and arearward-facing surface, said rear bracket member configured so that theforward-facing surface extends at least partly across a rear of thewindow air conditioner or a spine of the window air conditioner; whereinthe window frame bracket member and the side bracket member do notextend beneath a bottom of the air conditioner.
 17. The method of claim16, wherein said window frame bracket member, said side bracket member,and said rear support bracket member are each elongated strips and forma single discrete unattached contiguous piece.
 18. The method of claim16, wherein the rear support bracket member has a discrete first rearsupport bracket portion and a discrete second rear support bracketportion, and further comprising adjustably engaging the second rearsupport bracket portion with the first rear support bracket portion toadjust a length of the rear support bracket member.
 19. The method ofclaim 16, wherein the window frame bracket member sized and aligned sothat the rearward-facing surface contacts and engages a forward-facingsurface window frame of the wall, coupling the side bracket membersubstantially orthogonal to said window frame bracket member andconfigured to extend along the inner window jamb of the window openingand a side of the window air conditioner; and coupling the rear supportbracket member substantially orthogonal to said side bracket member andhaving a forward-facing surface and a rearward-facing surface, said rearbracket member forward-facing surface configured to extend at leastpartly across a rear of the window air conditioner or the spine of thewindow air conditioner.